How can we ensure that health services for young people are inclusive and accessible to all?
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are among the most contested issues of our time, both internationally and in Norway.
While there is broad public support for SRHR in Norway, and several aspects of these rights are enshrined in Norwegian law, research indicates significant inequalities in young people’s access to them. Young people growing up in religiously conservative contexts may experience fear, restricted autonomy and religious norms that constrain their sexual health and rights.
The Norwegian Government’s cross-sectoral strategy Good Sexual Health – Our Shared Responsibility (2025) repeatedly highlights immigrant and minority backgrounds, as well as cultural norms, when discussing factors that may affect individuals’ access to SRHR.
At the same time, the strategy emphasises the need for practitioners to develop the competence required to address and reduce social inequalities in this area.
This project focuses on youth health centres and school health services in selected municipalities characterised by considerable religious diversity. It aims to generate new knowledge about practitioners’ work with young people and SRHR in such contexts, and ultimately to support the development of more inclusive and equitable services.
This project is part of the strategic research area Inclusion of More Children and Young People.
